FCLA’s Fall Creative Writing Courses Explore Diverse Writing Genres

Anjanette Delgado

Miami, August 23, 2010 -
The Florida Center for the Literary (FCLA) Arts at Miami Dade College (MDC) is back with a new series of Fall Creative Writing Courses taught by renowned authors, editors and screenwriters. View a complete schedule of the courses offered below:

Once More, From the Top: Revision Strategies for Writers

Instructor: Nick Garnett

Mondays, Sept. 13 – Nov. 1

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$170

To the reader, writing may seem effortless. The truth is most writers don’t get it right the first time. What finally emerges as a polished, finished product is almost always the result of multiple drafts and meticulous revision. In this workshop, writers of all levels can learn revision strategies, give and receive critique and apply revision techniques.

NOTE: Participants should be prepared to bring in existing work they feel is in need of revision.

What’s Your Story? A Memoir Workshop

Instructor: Andrea Askowitz

Tuesdays, Sept. 14 – Nov. 2

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$170

In this course, students will use memories as a launching pad for writing. In-class writing exercises will help to excavate for story ideas, as well as discussions and exploring aspects of storytelling found in professional writing. Participants are encouraged to read their work out loud and have it workshopped within the group.

Writing for Young Readers

Instructor: Meribeth Shank

Tuesdays, Sept. 14 – Nov. 2

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$170

Using writing exercises and literature for children and young adults, participants learn what makes a good story and how to use these elements in their own writing. This course includes readings, writing exercises and class discussions of student manuscripts.

Beginning with Place: How to Research and Create Setting

Instructor: Angela Kelsey

Wednesdays, Sept. 15 – Nov. 3

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$170

With so many formal options for nonfiction, where does the writer begin? In this workshop, participants will read the work of a range of nonfiction writers for whom “place” is an organizing principle, and write short exercises designed to evolve into longer pieces. The course will also include research methods, from fieldwork to the internet.

The Spy Novel

Instructor: David Beaty

Thursdays, Sept. 16 – Nov. 4

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$170

Spy fiction, a combination of detective story and thriller, is a popular genre of writing. In the course, students will read three spy classics whose authors were also professional intelligence agents. There will be discussion on what the novels have in common, and what writers can take from them to construct their own spy novels. Students will write and workshop the first chapter of a spy novel.

Build Your Platform! Tips on Agents, Editors and PR

Instructor: Anjanette Delgado

Saturdays, Sept. 18 – Oct. 16 (no class on Oct. 9)

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

$85

This course is for both fiction and non-fiction interested in learning tips and techniques to lay the foundation for a successful book. The instructor will cover platform-building, doing self-promotion, questions to ask agents and editors, and how to keep an eye on elements to include in the book to ensure a more interested editor.

Writing Your Novel the TV Way

Instructor: Anjanette Delgado

Saturdays, Sept. 18 – Nov. 13 (no class on Oct. 9)

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

$170

TV producers and writers of original series and even non-fiction shows have to see the whole thing coming together in their heads, and process it all into a readable “series bible” before they can get a green light. Apply this same thinking as a TV executive who envisions the finished product to writing a novel.

This theory and practice-based class will introduce the basic elements of scriptwriting for film and television. Students will examine elements in existing television programs and gain appreciation for fiction that can be adapted for the big screen.

A journey through occidental erotic literature to identify technical elements that makes up the erotic theme, with the goal of learning how to construct sexual passages inside a narrative piece.

The Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College promotes reading and writing throughout the year by consistently presenting high-quality literary activities open to all in South Florida. FCLA’s Creative Writing Courses offer writers in the community the chance to share their work with a supportive, yet critical community of writers whose goal is continual development. All workshops are non-credit and open to everyone in the community. It also coordinates the college’s world renowned Miami Book Fair International every fall.

All Fall Creative Writing Courses will be held at MDC’s Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave. Discounted rates are available for MDC staff, as well as students currently enrolled in credit courses.To register, or to obtain more information, please call305-237-3940, or visit the FCLA website at www.flcenterlitarts.com.

All Fall Creative Writing Courses will be held at MDC’s Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave. Discounted rates are available for MDC staff, as well as students currently enrolled in credit courses. To register, or to obtain more information, please call 305-237-3940, or visit the FCLA website at www.flcenterlitarts.com.

Miami Dade College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Miami Dade College.
Miami Dade College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, marital status, age, religion, national origin,
disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or genetic information. Contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs/ADA Coordinator, at 305.237.2577 for information.